99571 - ACOUSTICAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC NDT METHODS FOR EXAMINING CULTURAL

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will acquire: - basic knowledge of mechanics of rock materials, of wave propagation in solids, of experimental techniques, instrumentation and procedures to apply on-site non destructive methods based on acoustic and electromagnetic waves such as sonics, ultrasound, GPR radar, Infrared Termography.

Course contents

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will have an understanding of the approach for diagnose of cultural heritage. Starting with rudiments of visual inspection, following with application methods of portable tools for on-site non-invasive imaging diagnostics, the student will learn the potentialities of various testing methods through review of examples from acoustical and electromagnetic devices such as sonics, ultrasound, GPR radar and infrared thermography.

Please note: not-attending students are asked to contact teacher by email, at the beginning of semester or PRIOR to the course's start.

The course delivers interdisciplinary information on the following topics:

- the multi-phase and multi-disciplinary approach and the knowledge acquisition process for a correct and thorough diagnostic evaluation of cultural heritage materials, objects and constructions;

- the advantages of image diagnostics and combined methodologies;

- the rudiments of visual inspection;

- application methodology of portable non-invasive testing devices for on-site imaging diagnostics via a few acoustical and electromagnetic devices such as sonics, ultrasound, GPR radar and Infrared Thermography;

- review of investigation examples via the above-mentioned methods, at various scales, from natural or artificial heritage materials to construction elements of Cultural Heritage interest. Advantages and limitations of those methods.

Readings/Bibliography

In advance to the course starting lecture and during following lectures, some reading and viewing material will be provided to students attending the course. Students' personal notes of lectures' contents will constitute further study material. As well, if they wish, students may further deepen the course's topics by reviewing selected scientific literature to be agreed with teacher.

- Giovanni Pascale, Diagnostica a ultrasuoni per l'edilizia: costruzioni civili, beni culturali, Ed. Flaccovio, 2008.

- V.M. Malhotra, N.J. Carino: “Handbook on Nondestructive Testing of Concrete”, CRC Press, USA, 2004.

- M.J. Sansalone, W.B. Street: “Impact-echo”, Bullbrier Press, Ithaca, N.Y., 1997.

Teaching methods

Teaching methods will include frontal lectures and interactive discussions. Demonstration of testing equipment may be included. Classroom lectures will be integrated by out-of-the-class study walkabouts. Simple and quick at-home exercises may also be included.

Assessment methods

There will not be interim assessment. The final assessment will be made through an oral examination, mostly. The aim is to assess the degree of contents' learning and understanding, the critical and methodological skills and the use of specific technical terminology as well as clarity of language. Grades will be assigned out of 30.

While in-presence lectures' attendance is encouraged, not attending students are to contact teacher prior or at the very beginning of semester/course.

Teaching tools

All lectures will be delivered with the physical presence of the teacher and will be made through use of blackboard, powerpoint presentations, videos, tutorials, out-of-the-class and/or in-the-class activities and possible use or demonstration of materials and testing devices. A distribution list will also be made available to the class of students having the course in their study plan.

Office hours

See the website of Camilla Colla